DEVASTATING floods in Limpopo have claimed 20 lives, leaving families shattered as heavy rains continue to batter the province.
The latest tragedy happened on Sunday, 18 January, when two boys, aged 15 and 17, drowned after being swept away by the raging Selati River at Mashishimale Village near Ba-Phalaborwa. A third teenager, who was with them, managed to escape.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene, but it was already dark. The search resumed the following day.
In another incident, a man's body was recovered from the Mutale River and airlifted by helicopter to Makuya soccer ground.
Search operations are ongoing for two people missing in the Tswinga River and a four-year-old kid from Mbaula.
"The death toll has increased from 17 to 20, with three people still missing," said Tsakane Baloyi, spokeswoman for the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs.
Severe weather has left a trail of destruction across Limpopo, with Mopani, Vhembe, Waterberg and parts of Sekhukhune among the hardest-hit areas.
Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, said he was deeply saddened by the growing number of deaths.
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"This situation is deeply worrying. As government, we are heartbroken by these unnecessary deaths in our communities," said Makamu.
He said police and emergency teams are searching for people believed to have been swept away by floodwaters.
Makamu warned that the danger isn't over, as heavy rain has been forecast, and urged residents to stay alert and avoid dangerous areas.
He also welcomed the declaration of a National Disaster under the Disaster Management Act, announced by National Disaster Management Centre head Dr Elias Sithole following assessments of extreme weather conditions experienced since 26 December 2025.
"This is a crucial step. Limpopo has been hit by heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, strong winds and flooding. Lives have been lost and serious damage has been caused to roads, schools, clinics, the environment and agriculture," said Makamu.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba revealed on Friday, 16 January, that a total of R4 billion will be needed to fix the damaged infrastructure.
